Sky Sports Focus – Player List Analysis – Midfielders

We roll out the third article focussing on the Player Price List in this season’s Sky Sports Fantasy Football game this evening. Having analysed the Goalkeepers and Defenders, we now move to onto the midfielders, where, as we’ll see, there is a vast array of options available.

Arguably, midfield is the most important position in the Sky Sports game. Not only are the top premium players likely to return similar point-hauls to their more expensive forward equivalents, but a few of the lower mid-price players have a history of providing us with great value and very high points per million; sorting the wheat from the chaff is key.

That leads us nicely in to the tactics involving midfielders. Balance is the crucial factor here. Acquiring a couple of premium midfielders, who are your main point-grabbers, and then drafting in a few value options to sit alongside them, lends itself nicely to affording a premium frontline and a solid defence. With some canny pricing from Sky Sports this season, there appears to be a whole multitude of midfield options available across the price brackets and, due to the sheer number of alternatives, I’ll be breaking them down team by team and suggesting my preferred options.

Make sure you check the rules, taking special note of the passing and tackling bonus offered, and also the Man of the Match award (MoTM), as these elements often favour midfielders and should sway your choices towards players who are heavily involved in the game.

Arsenal

Preferred options: Mesut Ozil (8.6) Aaron Ramsey (8.6) Theo Walcott (8.5)

Arsenal have been kind to us Fantasy managers over the last few seasons, with their possession-based style of playing lending itself perfectly to the passing bonus system, in addition to real goal threat from their attacking midfield assets. All three options above are similarly priced, and in truth all look fantastic options, however I’m swaying towards Ramsey as the strongest candidate; he returned 179 points despite missing four months of the season and earned bonus 16 times in 20 starts. With Walcott currently injured and Ozil likely to be eased into action after his World Cup exertions, the Welshman looks the prime pick from the Emirates pack.

Aston Villa

Preferred options: Leandro Bacuna (4.4) Fabian Delph (5.1)

Let’s face it, Paul Lambert’s side appear a tad stretched in this department but hidden in the depths a decent option appears in the shape of Bacuna. The versatile wing-back is one of only three players priced at under 5.0m who scored over 100 points last season, and with a share of set pieces, it looks like Villa will be relying on his attacking output once again in the coming campaign. Over 10% of Sky Sports managers have acquired Bacuna’s cut-price talents.

Further up the price brackets, Fabian Delph and Ashley Westwood (both 5.1) look reliable starters and both could enjoy breakout seasons that would see them justify the outlay. There’s risk involved, however. Both are solid options who would need to kick-on – for me, Delph would be the preferred route here. If you’re really set on a gamble, it’s worth monitoring the minutes earned by Charles N’Zogbia. Active in pre-season so far, he’s available for 4.9 and has a proven Premier League goal threat in season’s past.

Burnley

Preferred options: Michael Kightly (4.8), Scott Arfield (4.8)

With so few budget options nailed on to start, Kightly offers us just that. The winger scored five goals and grabbed four assists last season and has Premier League experience, often vital for the promoted teams. Arfield is similarly priced, though, and earned an impressive eight goals and a trio of assists for The Clarets in the Championship last season.

Chelsea

Preferred options: Eden Hazard (8.9) Cesc Fabregas (8.6)

With no bench players to fall back upon in the Sky Sports game, picking nailed-on players is key. Given the uncertainty surrounding the game time of the rest of Jose Mourinho’s midfield, Hazard and Fabregas are the standout options from the off. The Belgian was the game’s third highest scoring midfielder last season with 209 points, and with the addition of Diego Costa up front, Hazard will hope his creative talents spark further improvement, plus he should earn regular spot-kicks. Fabregas also looks a great choice – the Spaniard was sensational in Fantasy terms in his previous seasons in the Premier League, and now with passing bonus thrown into the mix, we could see him keep pace with Hazard’s returns. The pair are likely to compete for the Chelsea man-of-the-match (MoTM) accolades on a regular basis.

Crystal Palace

Preferred options: Yannick Bolasie (6.5) Jason Puncheon (6.9)

The two wide men are by far the best attacking options from Tony Pulis’ team. Bolasie picked up a very impressive six MoTM awards last time out and is a real standout prospect this season. Puncheon is perhaps less of a gamble having managed seven goals from Gameweek 12 onwards under the new manager. Both players scored around 100 points, a fairly low tally for such inflated prices this time around; there may well be better value to be found in the Palace rearguard.

Everton

Preferred options: Ross Barkley (7.0) Kevin Mirallas (7.1)

This pair are clearly the pick of the bunch amongst the Toffees’ options. Both scored around 120 points last time out but, to some extent, their game time was blighted by rotation which undoubtedly hampered their output. Sadly, this could be a factor again with Europa League action added to the mix. I would expect Barkley, in particular, to see more game time this season as he matures as a footballer – the bullish England man caught the Sky reporters’ eyes quite often, picking up five MoTMs in total. A popular target from the off, he’s already the top owned midfielder in the game, with over 27% of squads drafting him in.

Mirallas can get goals from the bench and is sure to be pushing double figures but has attracted just under 7% ownership in comparison. For me, with European duties also to contend with, the Everton full-backs may be the safer option as Roberto Martinez’ continues to rotate in attacking areas.

Hull

Preferred options: Robert Snodgrass (6.2)

A new club for the former Norwich man, who has scored six times in each of the last two seasons. Rather surprisingly, Snodgrass had the seventh highest number of touches in the final third out of all the midfielders in the Premier League last term. Set-piece rewards and MoTM points should also be forthcoming, and if his new team can play to the Scotsman’s strengths, there’s little doubt that Snodgrass presents a very decent mid-price option. Right now, less than 6% of Sky Sports managers have been tempted, which is a surprise when you consider Hull’s obliging opening fixtures.

Leicester

Preferred options: Danny Drinkwater: (4.6) Marc Albrighton (4.9) Anthony Knockaert (5.1)

The reliable Drinkwater is my pick here. The Championship player of the season cropped up with more goals (seven) than one would expect from someone with ample defensive responsibility and is coolness personified under pressure. Drinkwater also has a share of corners and indirect free-kicks to further his points potential. Albrighton will be a ready supplier of crosses, but at 0.3 more than Drinkwater, I prefer the latter’s security of starts. Albrighton’s injury record is also a concern. Knockaert is your maverick option but I have to question the merits of spending over 5.0 on a newly promoted midfielder – particularly given Leicester’s evil start to the campaign.

Liverpool

Preferred options: Steven Gerrard (8.2) Raheem Sterling (7.8) Adam Lallana (7.5)

Sterling has attracted all the interest, already claiming 20% ownership, but despite his loftier price tag, I have to opt for Gerrard here. The set-piece specialist was the second highest scoring midfielder of all last season and looks to have been undervalued once again – he scored and assisted 13 times last season and also picked up 38 bonus points. The only worry here is Liverpool’s endeavours in Europe; perhaps the veteran will see himself rested on the odd occasion to keep him fresh.

Man City

Preferred options: Yaya Toure (9.0) Samir Nasri (7.8) David Silva (8.7)

Whilst Nasri’s kind price makes him a valid alternative, there’s no disputing that Toure is likely to remain the key man in the Sky Sports game. The big Ivorian scored a massive 274 points – second only to the now-departed Luis Suarez. His all-action style means even in his poorer games he often picks up passing bonus and it’s hard to see why he shouldn’t be a part of every line-up, even at 9.0.

Man United

Preferred options: Juan Mata (8.4) Ander Herrera (7.5)

Can Louis Van Gaal revive Manchester United? More importantly for Fantasy managers, can he help provide us with some viable midfield options again? A move to 3-4-1-2 immediately brings Mata into contention after he was handed the role in “the hole” behind the front two, and with no European duties to concern them, rest and rotation is unlikely to be an issue. With a favourable opening to the season, there’s little doubt that backing United’s attack will be a popular tactic. Right now, Ander Herrera has earned more interest, with almost 10% ownership, which is likely to be down to his price of 7.5 and the promise of assured starts and potential MoTM awards. Even so, for me, Mata justifies that extra outlay and has the edge for goal power.

The real caveat here is the lure of either Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney up front. There’s no doubt that, given the fixtures, one of the United pair should be in our line-ups and that could restrict our midfield funds and force us to look beyond Mata and Herrera as options.

Newcastle

Preferred options: Siem De Jong (6.2), Yoan Gouffran (6.3) Cheick Tiote (4.9) Remy Cabella (6.0)

De Jong has scored 10 or more goals in four of his last five seasons at Ajax and was recently fielded up front as Alan Pardew rolled out a 3-5-2. A role in “the hole” in a 4-2-3-1 looks more likely over the season, but the Dutchman carries the greatest goal threat of any Newcastle midfield candidate – he’ll also be a likely leading contender for MoTM awards. At 6.2, De Jong looks kindly priced, and with the Magpies enjoying a decent programme of early fixtures, he’s difficult to resist.

Tiote’s budget price tag brings him into contention as a value option, though. The midfield bruiser scored more points (107) than any other Magpies midfielder last time out, thanks to his additional 44 bonus points for passes and tackles – if he can keep himself fit and avoid the yellow cards he could improve on that score.

Queens Park Rangers

Preferred options: Joey Barton (4.9)

The notorious Barton could actually provide us with a decent option in the Sky Sports game. He ticks quite a few boxes – a central midfield berth boosts his potential for tackle and passing bonus, while a share of set pieces and a reputation for being the centre of attention should aid his MoTM potential. As always, much will depend on his temperament and his ability to avoid the wrath of the referees.

Southampton

Preferred options: Dusan Tadic (6.7), Steven Davis (5.6) Gaston Ramirez (6.2) James Ward-Prowse (4.9)

The Saints have the potential to offer a number of options in midfield and have the opening schedule to justify inclusion in our squads. There has to be real concern given the recent exodus, however, and with new arrivals looking a necessity, it’s very difficult to decipher certain starters. Having said that, it’s safe to say then that new signing Tadic looks set to fill the boots of the departed Adam Lallana and brings with him a respectable CV from the Dutch league, boasting 16 goals and 14 assists in his previous campaign. If he can come close to Lallana’s returns then he will certainly offer good value for money.

James Ward-Prowse is another worthy target – seemingly one of the few Southampton prospects to remain at the club, he could be handed greater responsibility given the departures. A run of consistent starts would give him the platform to put his quality delivery to use and he will doubtless contest for set-pieces. At just 4.9, he might just be a risk worth taking.

Stoke

Preferred options: Steve Sidwell (5) Marko Arnautovic (6.2) Steven Nzonzi (6)

Arnautovic is undoubtedly the most exciting prospect for the Potters if you’re willing to spend that little bit more. The Austrian is set to line up alongside Peter Odemwingie and Bojan Krkic in the attacking midfield three, but with the latter pair classified as forwards, Arnautovic is an obvious option. He hit top gear towards the back end of last season, scoring three times and earning five assists in his last nine outings and could be boosted by greater set-piece involvement this term, including potential spot-kicks. Sidwell and Nzonzi could offer passing and tackling bonus if they can nail down the double-pivot roles; the former Fulham man certainly looks underpriced after racking up 139 points in the season gone by.

Sunderland

Preferred options: Jordi Gomez (4.9) Adam Johnson (6.9)

As we all know, Johnson has the talent to dazzle and the potential to deliver handsome Fantasy hauls. It’s doubtful whether Gus Poyet can, or more to the point wants, to build the team around him to give him the platform to perform. For spells last season, Johnson was unplayable and racked up eight goals and six assists over the course of the campaign. With Fabio Borini now departed, Johnson looks likely to resume penalty duties and has a hand in most set-pieces, making him one to keep an eye on if he shows signs of exploding into form but not a key consideration for our initial line-ups. Elsewhere, Jordi Gomez could be an intriguing budget option if he can cement a starting role – he has goals in him and a set-piece ability which could bely his price tag.

Swansea

Preferred options: Gylfi Sigurdsson (6.0) Jonjo Shelvey (6.5)

After returning to the Liberty from Spurs, Sigurdsson looks the weapon of choice. The Icelandic international bagged two goals on his second debut at the weekend and has immediately been handed dead-ball duties by manager Garry Monk. Like De Jong at Newcastle, he looks difficult to ignore as a mid-price asset.

Shelvey is a decent back-up and differential but, given the 0.5 price difference, Sigurdsson has the edge. The Swans’ style of play helped Shelvey earn bonus a number of times last season and has seen a price hike from last year after he made a mockery of his 4.6 valuation.

Tottenham

Preferred options: Christian Eriksen (7.6), Erik Lamela (6.7)

Eriksen was in scintillating form with Tim Sherwood at the helm towards the end of January and earned the vast majority of his 128 points in the final five months. With a deadly set-piece delivery and MoTM awards forthcoming, Eriksen should improve further on his tally with a full season under Mauricio Pochettino. Intriguingly, Erik Lamela has started each of the last two friendlies behind the lone striker and already has two goals to his name in pre-season – the arrival of compatriot Pochettino could finally bring him into contention after a dire debut season was blighted by injuries and a lack of form. Both look key men and could well be vying for the “number 10” role, with Eriksen perhaps consigned to the flank. We need to monitor both over the remaining pre-season matches, and with fixtures falling kindly, the duo are viable selections for our initial squads.

West Brom

Preferred options: Graham Dorrans (4.8), Youssouf Mulumbu (5.0)

Another kindly priced defensive midfielder who you can count on for bonus points if not much else, Mulumbu picked up 113 points last time out and is another budget enabler to consider. However, there are arguably stronger options in the same bracket – notably Sidwell who carries a more convincing goal threat. Dorrans is an interesting option – far from assured of minutes, he nonetheless emerged as a factor towards the end of the campaign with 10 starts from Gameweek 30 onwards and has already showed up well in pre-season. At 4.8, he could present strong value as a budget pick with some set-piece influence and a threat from range.

West Ham

Preferred options: Mark Noble (5.4)

Our final defensive midfield option comes with the added bonus of penalties, hence the slightly higher price compared to his counterparts. Noble was the thirteenth highest scoring midfielder overall last season and again looks slightly under-priced here; if Sam Allardyce can improve on West Ham’s attacking output, perhaps we could see Noble’s tally increase with more assist and spot-kick potential. He has already collected 15% ownership, making him the fourth most popular midfield pick in the game.

Sky Sports Fantasy Football Scout League

We’ve already set up the official Scout League with a top prize of £1000 to the winner. If you’ve tinkered with your Sky team and are looking to get involved, our league name is FFScout and the code is 8009000.